17th Annual Telethon to raise funds for Oneida County History Center

UTICA

The Oneida County History Center has announced the 17th Annual Telethon presented by the Bank of Utica. The telethon is the History Center’s signature fundraising event of the year and will be broadcast live on WUTR-TV and stream on CNYHomepage.com on Wednesday, May 18, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The evening highlights the importance of local history and the community partnerships that make implementing the History Center mission possible. This special event will be hosted by longtime emcee
Joe Kelly, History Center Executive Director Rebecca McLain, and Oneida County Tourism President Kelly Blazosky.

The 2022 goal is to raise $35,000 to support the organization’s mission to protect and preserve Central New York history for present and future generations. Viewers can call 315-735-3542 during the event to join, renew, or donate to show their support.

The History Center is funded by private sources and relies on donations as a primary source of income. Pledges received during the 2022 telethon are vital to the organization’s success and directly support ongoing operations and strategic initiatives including:

Free monthly, public programs including in-person talks, virtual lectures, and history-themed story hour for kids

Rotating exhibits in the History Center’s 5,000 square foot gallery

Preservation and care for growing archival, artifact, and genealogical collections

Free access to the research library for students and low-cost access for non-members

Internship opportunities for high school and college students to gain hands-on experience

Educational outreach to area schools, community organizations, and businesses

The History Center staff, volunteers, and board of directors would like to thank the following organizations, businesses, and individuals who have already pledged their support for the 2022 telethon.

Naming Sponsor: Bank of Utica

Platinum Sponsors: Adirondack Financial Services; DBJ Wealth Management; Chris & Virginia Kelly; Coleman Harding

Gold Sponsors: Caruso McLean & Co. Inc.; Dick Williams; Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig

Silver Sponsors: UFA Alumni Association

In-Kind Sponsors: WUTR; Oneida County Tourism; Northland Communications